RESOURCES

2011

Zorah

'Karasì'

Yeghegnadzor

While reflecting new world intensity, Karasì draws inspiration from its ancient roots. A wine of distinctive varietal identity, with a perfect expression of the unique characteristics of its exceptional terroir. Karasì is a tribute to the 6,100 year wine tradition of Armenia and to its Areni Noir grape, which has created the authentic spirit of this wine. Its name is a reference to its long aging in traditional large, clay, amphorae (karasì being the Armenian translation “from amphora”).

The result of intensive and meticulous ﬁeld selection the Areni Noir sourced for Zorah was rediscovered from ancient vines from the abandoned vineyards of a XIII century monastic complex. Originating from the birthplace of viticulture and extremely resistant to disease, this grape’s particularity lies in its capacity to adapt perfectly to continental climates and in its very thick skin which, while helping maintain the elegance and freshness of the grape, also protects it from the drastic day/night temperature variations.

Full bodied and well balanced with silky ripe tannins, it is a wine of great elegance and richness and offers an incredibly interesting and unique wine tasting experience. Supple, fresh, pure and quite elegant with attractive mid-weight cherry and plum fruit, backed up by some grippy tannins and peppery edge. Very natural tasting and not at all spoofy, yet certainly not a tired, dried out wine at the same time. There’s an attractive sappy green edge with some grip on the finish. Think about taking California Pinot Noir crossed with vibrant, fresh Grenache and a splash of Northern Rhône Syrah.

Region: Yeghegnadzor

Varietal: 100% Areni Noir

Vintage: 2011

Vineyard: Rind

Vine Age: 6 years old

Yield: 1.4 tons per acre

Soil Type: Sandy. Rich in stone and very rich in limestone. Slightly sub-alkaline

YEGHEGNADZOR

The name of the region means "the valley of canes" in the Armenian language. During Joseph Stalin's time, the city was renamed after Soviet politician Anastas Mikoyan. Learn More »

ZORAH

YEGHEGNADZOR

A wonderful journey into the world of wine began many years ago when Zorah founder Zorik Gharibian visited Armenia for the very first time. He returned powerfully impressed by the beauty and spirit of his ancient homeland. As he began to spend more time there, travel among its people and uncover its secrets and traditions, he came to realize that Armenia had a deep rooted wine culture which seemed to have all but disappeared after years of Soviet rule. Learn More »